TELECOM | PLDT, Smart launch Experience Hub at Makati HQ

PLDT, Smart launch Experience Hub with Smart Home concept at Makati HQ
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications are revamping their store at the headquarters of the country’s largest integrated telco network in the heart of Makati City. The PLDT and Smart Experience Hub at the Ramon Cojuangco Building (RCB) is located in the building where Smart made telco history five years ago by showcasing the Philippines’ first successful 5G-enabled video call – announcing to the world that 5G is real in the Philippines, showing a glimpse of the future for the industry.

“After the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought of ways to meet the growing demand of customers for more digital services. Driven by our purpose to inspire innovation through generations, and our mission to deliver meaningful connections and experiences so that our customers can live fuller lives, we have transformed our traditional sales and store set up at PLDT RCB into an Experience Hub that ushers in the Smart Home concept to Makatizens. This store should be our blueprint. We are looking forward to having more immersive experiences in our PLDT and Smart Stores,” said John Y. Palanca, first vice president and head of Consumer Sales Group at PLDT and Smart during the program.

Present at the launch was PLDT Ambassador and Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee and the top management team of PLDT and Smart led by President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Alex O. Caeg, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Home Jeremiah de la Cruz, FVP and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups Mitch L. Locsin, Chief Technology Officer Jojo G. Gendrano, and Chief People Officer Gina P. Ordoñez, along with other key executives and heads of teams. The executives also toured the Smart Home area where they experienced first-hand how various Internet of Things-powered devices and appliances can be supported seamlessly by the fastest home broadband PLDT Home Fiber and mobile solutions backed by the fastest mobile network of Smart.

Customers can also enjoy the self-service kiosks and pay machines for a smoother, faster experience when they transact in the headquarters store. They can also book their virtual or in-store appointments with the PLDT and Smart Experience Hub at RCB when they need help in switching to Smart, or for their other needs or concerns. Booking a store appointment can help them save time by avoiding long lines. Soon, other delightful digital tools and experiences will be installed for MSMEs and other customers.

“When our customers step into our stores, they can experience innovative products firsthand, accompanied by personalized service provided by our store specialists. We will showcase how technology can empower them in their everyday lives, whether for their families or businesses, “said Eden Techico, vice president and head of Retail Operations and Transformation at PLDT and Smart.

This event follows the launch of PLDT and Smart’s Experience Hubs in two key cities in Metro Manila – at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; and at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Experience the benefits of a fully digital lifestyle

Customers can experience how it feels to have a fully digital lifestyle powered by the country’s largest integrated network when they step into the PLDT and Smart Experience Hub – the place where Smart pioneered 5G in the country. They can also apply for value-packed unlimited 5G plans that suit their mobile needs. On display are the latest 5G handsets and accessories available for testing, powered by the country’s Fastest and Best Mobile Network according to Ookla for three consecutive periods, Best in Test for upload speeds, download speeds, and latency experience by umlaut.

The PLDT and Smart Experience Hub at the PLDT Headquarters also features an experiential space where the home can be transformed into immersive possibilities, with a Smart Home concept that demonstrates how Filipino families can benefit from these digital innovations, one room at a time.

The work-from-home or gaming area is surrounded by smart lamps and wall-mounted smart accent lights to help enhance the mood in the room. For the health buff in the family, the gym or workout area has smart fitness equipment to help keep track of exercise results and comes equipped with a smart TV and smart lights to boost fitness sessions. They can also have a feel of an entertainment area that showcases a 65-inch smart television and PLDT StreamTV, an Android TV speaker box powered by Dolby with Google Assistant, to redefine family time. Customers can also check out PLDT Home’s portfolio of security devices, including high-resolution indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells to monitor guests and deliveries, and smart locks for added security. The Smart Home control is conveniently at their fingertips and can also be controlled using voice commands.

These initiatives to create trailblazing physical touchpoints that allow customers to experience the future today are aligned with the PLDT Group’s aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities. They also contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to provide connectivity to all.

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